Gift of life out of tragedy

SPECIAL legacy . . . head teacher Jackie Greenhalgh, who died in July

THREE people have been given the chance of a new life thanks to head teacher Jackie Greenhalgh’s special legacy.

Mrs Greenhalgh (57) died from a brain haemorrhage shortly after the leavers’ assembly at Alt Primary School, Oldham, in July.

The grandmother-of-three had previously discussed with her husband Jeff about being an organ donor.

Thanks to her wish, three people with life-threatening conditions have been given a new lease of life.

Mrs Greenhalgh’s left kidney was donated to a 76-year-old man with renal failure who had been dependant on dialysis for three years and on the transplant list for two years.

Her right kidney went to a 48-year-old female North-West health worker on dialysis since March, 2007 and on the transplant list for over a year.

Mrs Greenhalgh’s liver was given to a 48-year-old woman with only hours to live after liver failure — now out of intensive care and making a good recovery.

Mr Greenhalgh (72), from Lane Brow, Grotton, who was married to Jackie for 30 years, said: “I’m so proud of her.

Their son Michael Greenhalgh (27) said: “It’s what mum would have wanted.

“I’m happy that her organs could be used to help others and to give someone else another chance and a better life.”

Mr Greenhalgh said he was left stunned to receive a handwritten thank-you letter last month from the male recipient, known only as Howard, who said life for himself and his family had changed drastically since the donation.

The letter reads: “It will enable us to have a better life and to do the things which were impossible before.”

Michael said: “Since mum died, we’ve had so many cards and letters.

“It shows just how much she will be missed and how much of an impact she had on so many lives.”